GICHA & COTTON-BASED GICHA

Meaning & Origin: Gicha is the coarse, wild silk yarn obtained from the unreeled cocoons of Tussar silk. It is predominantly woven in the tribal belts of Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and Bengal.

The Process: While fine silk is reeled in continuous threads, Gicha is hand-spun from pierced or damaged cocoons, resulting in short, uneven, and slubby yarns. In Cotton-based Gicha, these textured silk yarns are interwoven with a pure cotton warp or weft to create a breathable, structured fabric.

Time Investment: Spinning the yarn by hand on a thigh or spindle takes days, and weaving a yardage takes 1 to 3 weeks.

The Artisanal Specialty: Gicha is the epitome of "wabi-sabi"—finding beauty in imperfection. The natural, golden, bark-like texture gives the fabric an organic, earthy opulence and a distinctive structural drape.